Maintaining healthy weight reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Overweight people have more complications from illness than people who are in a healthy weight range. A key to determining if someone is overweight is the Body Mass Index (BMI). Compare your BMI to the BMI ranges below:

BMI

Weight Status

< 18.5

Underweight

18.5-24.9

Normal weight

25.0-29.9

Overweight

30.0-39.9

Obese

> 40.0

Morbidly Obese

BMI
< 18.5

Weight Status
Underweight

BMI
18.5-24.9

Weight Status
Normal weight

BMI
25.0-29.9

Weight Status
Overweight

BMI
30.0-39.9

Weight Status
Obese

BMI
> 40.0

Weight Status
Morbidly Obese

Overweight

Anyone who is overweight should try to avoid gaining additional weight. Additionally, if you are overweight with other risk factors (such as high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high blood pressure), you should try to lose weight. Even a small weight loss (just 10% of your current weight) may help lower the risk of disease. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine appropriate ways to lose weight. Start by assessing the benefits and barriers to better weight management. Talk to your doctor for guidance in developing a weight management plan that is right for you.